Page 17 of High Velocity
Charli met his gaze and saw the love in his eyes.She smiled and said, “Gladly.But before I do, can I show you something?”
“Anything.”
She rotated and pulled up the hem of her shirt, revealing her side.Inked among the vines were Charli’s favorite flowers from Idaho along with a shining star, which represented her mother.But what Charli wanted him to see was the Sons of Sin emblem among them, along with the number twenty-one with angel wings.
“I never forgot you,” Charli whispered.She could feel all eyes still on her but didn’t care.This was for Owen.And her dad.“Any of you.I’m just so sorry I didn’t return sooner.I wanted—”
“Hush, baby girl,” Owen said as he met her watery gaze.“You’re here now, that’s what matters.Here where you belong.”He slid the hem of her top down and pulled her into another embrace.“I know life hasn’t been easy, but I’m so damn proud of you.And so is Liam.You’ll always be a part of this family.”
A quiet sob escaped, and Charli held tightly to the man she always thought of as her second father.When she got herself together, she pulled away, kissed Owen’s cheek, and swiped her eyes.“Thank you,” she whispered.
“Of course.Wait here a sec.Got something for you and now’s as good a time as any.”
Owen slipped into the trailer as Charli stood there, feeling a bit awkward as many eyes remained on her.But within moments, Owen was back, and he held a cut in his hands.Holding it out to her, Charli saw it was her father’s.Her surprised gaze held Owen’s, who simply gave her a smile.
“Held onto it until the right time came along.Knew if I gave it to you when Sherri took you back, you might never see it.”
Charli reached out and took the leather, holding it reverently.She then cradled it to her chest and closed her eyes, almost imagining she was hugging her dad.When she opened her eyes, she held her tears in check this time.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
Owen nodded and began to introduce her to members of the Sons of Sin.
There was Ted “Griff” Griffen, the Prez, who welcomed her, along with Vince “Motley” O’Niel, the VP.She was introduced to the Road Captain, Cruz Mendoza, the Enforcer, Jax Simpson, and the newest Chaplain, Jerome Linzel.
“Following in your dad’s footsteps?”Charli said, remembering his dad, Charles “Chappy” Linzel, who had been the Chaplain.
“Yeah.Dad and Mom are traveling the countryside for a bit.”
“Good for them.”
Finally, there was the Treasurer, who was Stacks, Marlo’s husband.
“Marlo asked me to tell you,” Stacks started, “that she loved meeting you and is looking forward to seeing more of you.She’s home with the kiddos tonight but plans to be here next Wednesday.”
“I’ll look forward to hanging out with her.But I have a good feeling I’ll be seeing her and Cookie sooner,” Charli said, earning chuckles.
“They’ll love that.”
Owen had said Glenda wanted to be there, but there was a sick momma and baby she needed to be with.
“I hope they’re okay,” Charli said.
“They will be.I was also asked to extend the invitation to have you over Saturday for family day.Planned on asking you anyways.”Owen winked.“The Club gets together every Saturday at the compound for food and fun.”
“Just let me know what to bring.”Charli beamed, both inside and out, at quickly being brought back into the fold.
“Just yourself, girlie.We’ll have plenty this go ‘round.”
Several of the guys had headed out to race after being introduced to Charli.They took turns rotating on and off the track.While Konstance remained near Bradley, the twins were in the stands, watching the racers.Harvey had gone with them, and Charli knew he’d be imparting his wisdom, from which the twins would greatly benefit.
“CC,” Bradley said, getting her attention.“Harvey says you put an RV on your property by the twin lakes.You all set for everything?You need anything, all you have to do is ask any one of us.”
“I ...I appreciate that.Truly.I want to set up a temporary carport for the Nova.”
“We can make that happen,” Bradley said.
“Got any ideas about building a home?”Owen asked.
